A Miracle at the Beautiful Gate
Today’s account from Acts 3:1-10 might seem like it’s just about a man asking for money at the temple gate. But what happens next reveals something far bigger than coins or charity, it shows us the transformative power of truly seeing people and offering them Jesus.
The Setting
Picture this: It’s 3 PM, the designated time for afternoon prayer in Jewish tradition. Peter and John are heading to the temple, following their routine of worship. But God was about to use this simple act of obedience to prepare the way for a miracle.
At the temple gate called “Beautiful”. A massive bronze gate that glowed golden in the sunlight, measuring about 210 feet wide, sat a man who had been lame from birth. Every single day, he was carried to this same spot to beg from worshippers entering the temple.
The contrast is striking: a gate that was outwardly glorious, yet right beside it sat a life marked by pain and need.
Breaking the Cycle
Day after day, this man followed the same routine. He was placed at his spot, asked for coins, and survived on whatever spare change people would give him. Sound familiar?
If we’re honest, many of us fall into similar cycles. We wake up, go to work, pay bills, scroll on our phones, and repeat the same patterns, calling that “life.” We settle for getting by instead of truly living.
But God knows exactly where we are, and He’s able to step in and break that cycle with real change.
The Power of Being Seen
When the beggar asked Peter and John for money, something remarkable happened. Peter stopped and said, “Look at us!”
That might sound small, but it was revolutionary. In those days, beggars were often viewed as shameful burdens, largely despised as social outcasts. Eye contact says, “You matter, you’re worth seeing, you’re not invisible.”
Think about it. When you see someone in need, what’s your first instinct? If you’re like me, you look away, keep walking, avoid eye contact. Why? Because looking at them means acknowledging their humanity and recognizing that their need might require something of us.
I remember walking down Michigan Avenue in Chicago and seeing a man with his two kids holding a sign: “Lost my job, need help feeding my kids.” It broke my heart, but what did I do? I immediately thought, Don’t make eye contact, and filled my mind with reasons why I couldn’t stop.
Peter and John did the opposite. They stopped. They looked. They acknowledged him.
More Than Silver and Gold
“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” – Acts 3:6
Peter wasn’t offering earthly wealth, he offered something far greater: the power and authority of Jesus’ name. And he was very clear about which Jesus he meant: the one who had recently been crucified and risen from the dead.
When we speak the name of Jesus:
- Chains break
- Dry bones wake
- The gates of Hell shake
The name of Jesus carries all authority in heaven and on earth. It’s not just a sound on our lips, it’s the power of salvation, healing, and freedom. We don’t whisper His name in fear; we boldly speak it because at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow.
Too often we try to fix problems with our own money, ideas, or effort. But God has given us Jesus, and He’s calling us to offer Him to others.
The Miracle of Transformation
When Peter spoke in Jesus’ name, the man didn’t just receive a little help—he received complete restoration. His feet and ankles were instantly strengthened, and he jumped to his feet. (For those of us over 40, that’s a miracle in itself!)
The man went into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God. What began as a simple encounter became a life-changing miracle.
We may not always see miracles as dramatic as a man leaping to his feet, but God still calls us to:
- Stop
- See people
- Give what we do have: Jesus
Overcoming Our Judgment
Our natural reaction when we see someone in need is often to judge: “If I give them money, they’ll just blow it on drugs or alcohol.” But who are we to judge?
God told me something years ago: What they do with the gift is between them and Him.
What if the little you give is just enough to help someone take one step closer to eternity with Jesus?
“As you go, proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven has come near… Freely you have received; freely give.” – Matthew 10:7-8
From Beggar to Royalty
At one time in my life, I was the beggar. I was stuck in my day-to-day routine, spiritually lame from my proud atheist stance, blind to the hope right in front of me.
But one day, I looked up and saw Jesus holding out His hand. I didn’t know exactly what I was asking for, but Jesus said, “I will spare you some change.” That moment changed everything.
Today, I am rich…not in money, but in His love, grace, and mercy. This month marks 11 years since I gave my heart to the Lord. Ever since that moment, I’ve been running around praising God with excitement because He healed and saved my soul.
That’s the truth for everyone who has given their heart to Jesus: We were the beggars. And now we’re royalty. We’re clothed in His love, grace, and mercy.
Your Moment at the Gate
Maybe you’re reading this and you haven’t yet taken that step toward Jesus. This is your moment. Just like the beggar at the gate, you may not even know what you’re really looking for. But if you look up and reach for Jesus, He will meet you with salvation, freedom, and a life-changing touch.
Or perhaps you’ve already given your life to Jesus, but today you feel stuck, weighed down, scared, or worried. The same Jesus who lifted the beggar up is here to lift you too.
Don’t let pride or hesitation keep you from reaching out. Fix your eyes on Jesus, and let Him give you more than you could ever ask for.
God is ready to spare you change. Not coins, but a transformation of your life.
Remember, what you have freely received, freely share. The next time you meet someone in need, whether at work, at home, online, or on the street, pause, look them in the eye, hear their story, and point them to the greatest gift you carry, Jesus.
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